Plan to improve teacher education
A TECHNICAL committee has been formed to develop a transformation action plan for the enhancement of Institutes of Teacher Education (IPG) nationwide.
To produce graduates of international standing, the committee will focus on improving the organisational system, IPG leadership, facilities, co-curriculum, quality of lecturers, and selection of trainee teachers; increasing research and innovation activities; and boosting the profile of IPG, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P Kamalanathan said before presenting scrolls to IPG graduates at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) last Monday.
He reminded teachers to be patient and passionate as it was the only way to be successful educators.
Teachers of the 21st century must also be mentally strong, innovative, professional, disciplined, and matured in character and idealism, he said.
“Education is becoming more flexible, creative, challenging and complex. The conventional ‘chalk and talk’ teaching method isn’t as interesting anymore, nor is it working.
“We need dynamic and relevant methods that are in line with current developments.
“So teachers of today must be tech-savvy, open minded, knowledgeable in all education-related issues and policies, and devoted to life-long learning,” he said.
Earlier when speaking at the convocation, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid advised new teachers not to apply for transfers before being confirmed to the post.
Mahdzir said he received numerous requests from teachers who wanted to be relocated, even though they had been in the service for less than three years, according to a Bernama report.
Although sympathetic, he said greater priority should be given to the teachers who had been separated from their spouses for a longer period.
“Sometimes teachers who have been married for just a year, want to be transferred nearer to their loved ones. They need to have the three-year mindset, it's easy for the ministry if we are all (thinking) the same.”
A total of 5,978 graduates received their degrees and diplomas at the eighth convocation of the institute, which was held from Aug 27 to 30.
Mahdzir said the ministry was also unable to meet the demands of all teachers who wanted to serve in their respective hometowns.
On the institute, he said about 5,000 of the total 5,978 graduates had been offered placements nationwide.